Keeping an eye on upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Narendra Modi government on Monday approved 10 per cent reservation for economically backward upper castes in jobs and educational institutions.
The move has also come at a time when there is huge discontent among the youth as the Modi government has reportedly not created enough jobs in four years.
Since reservation has been such an emotive issue for the parties, varying reactions were expected after the announcement.
The timing of the decision has hugely criticised by the opposition and at the same time being welcomed by different ministers across the country.
The Congress party questioned the timing of the move made by the Centre and termed is as a “poll gimmick”.
Congress leader Harish Rawat said,"Bohot der kar di meherbaan aate aate". "No matter what they do, what 'jumlas' they give, nothing is going to save this Government", he added.
Welcoming the decision, noted Dalit leader Kancha Ilaiah said that he had no problems with the pro-poor decision taken by the Narendra Modi government.
Rajya Sabha MP KTS Tulsi, on the other hand, termed the decision a "joke" and accused the Modi government of trying to "fool the people".
"They had been trying to destroy the reservation system. We have always demanded this reservation for financially backward classes in the upper caste. Now that finally they have taken this decision, it is a welcome step," Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.
"Reservation for economically backward upper castes. The bugle announcing the elections has well & truly sounded.", tweeted Omar Abdullah
"The proposal to give 10% reservation to economically weaker upper castes is nothing more than a jumla. It is bristling with legal complications and there is no time for getting it passed through both Houses of Parliament. Government stands completely exposed.", tweeted Yashwant Sinha.
Welcoming the decision, Delhi CM and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "I agree. The govt shud extend Parl session and bring constitutional amendment immediately. Else it is merely an election stunt."
Hardik Patel Calls the Decision 'PM's Last Arrow'.
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